If you're reading this that means the world didn't end yesterday. But according to the Mayan calendar, we still have another shot at it on Dec. 21, so get your holiday shopping in early.

And plan to take in one of the finest show bands in the Midwest--The Booze Brothers. They're on "a mission to bring soul" to the Mitchall Domes as tonight's headliners in the "Music Under Glass" series. Who is hotter-- the two guys in the black suits or The Horn Section? You be the judge. | Dec. 13, 2012»Read Full Blog Post

The United Performing Arts Fund announced Tuesday that it will attempt to raise $11 million during this year's fundraising campaign, $1 million more than last year's $10 million goal.

The co-chairs for the campaign, which launched Tuesday at the Pabst Theater, are Charles Harvey, corporate vice president of diversity and public affairs at Johnson Controls, Gail Lione, a community volunteer; and Gary "Skip" Poliner, president of Northwestern Mutual. | March 12, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

Jack Hanna, TV personality and director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, spent some time with Tap Milwaukee before his show at the Marcus Center Friday. Watch the video below, in which he introduces some cute wild animals and discusses life on the road with the animals for his show, "Into the Wild." | March 12, 2013»Read Full Article

Mayor Tom Barrett has spent a lot of time in recent weeks talking about culture, placemaking and design. Envigorated, perhaps, by Bloomberg's Mayors Challenge, he spent the first several minutes of his State of the City address talking about art and placemaking. He also spent the better part of a day showcasing artists and arts venues to celebrate the city's recent designation as a top "art place" in the nation.

Now, the mayor is taking nominations for the annual Mayor's Design Awards, which showcases projects that contribute to the urban landscape and neighborhoods through restoration, construction or enhancement projects. The mayor's office is accepting nominations for the Design Awards through March 22. | March 12, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

Grandpa's pick-up truck is in the parking lot outside. Got a stomach full of beef brisket, fried okra and pecan pie from yesterday. Yep, I'm in Texas--Austin specifically--gearing up to cover SXSW and all the unofficial shindigs, featuring thousands of bands, that make this town this time of the year the center of the music universe.

Before I headed out on this little adventure, I sat down with CineStars' Brittany Umar to discuss highlights from the huge week ahead, from highly-anticipated appearances from big bands to a strong showing of Wisconsin acts. You'll be able to find various social updates, blog posts, stories, videos and more at jsonline.com/sxsw. | March 12, 2013»Read Full Blog Post(1)

Scuba divers and archaeologists will converge on Milwaukee this weekend for the 14th Annual Ghost Ships Festival.

The festival is set to begin Friday evening and continue through Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport Hotel. Tickets are $20 until Thursday and $25 at the door. | March 12, 2013»Read Full Article(1)